Specialist university in talks to buy new campus

An agricultural university in Telford could buy a second campus in the town, help grow its higher education provision.

It comes after the University of Wolverhampton announced plans last year to close its Priorslee campus, as part of what it called a "rationalisation program".

Telford and Wrekin Council said it would provide funding to help with Harper Adams University's purchase of its second site.

A decision will be formally made as part of the authority's upcoming 2026-27 budget proposals.

Funding that would go towards acquiring the site is part of a £59m package put aside by the council.

The authority said the campus could provide a new base for the university, as the institute plans to expand its higher education provision and support regional development of skills.

"We remain committed to this site to safeguard higher education in our borough and retain and create new employment opportunities for local people," said councillor Lee Carter, the authority's leader.

"We are in discussions with Harper Adams University and hope to be able to announce our plans and new use for the site in the near future which will all be part of our wider budget plans for 2026-27."

The university said it was currently developing a comprehensive options appraisal, which will then be discussed by it's board of governors.

"We are committed to ensuring that Telford and Shropshire have access to higher education and skills development opportunities, to enable our local communities to benefit from employment and other opportunities," a spokesperson said

"Our considerations regarding Priorslee are an integral part of that."

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